Essential Concepts in Linguistics and Academic Writing

Linguistics Fundamentals and Language Processing

Differences Between Spoken and Written Language

Spoken language differs from written language primarily because:

• Written language is planned, allowing the writer time to think.
• Spoken language requires an immediate response.
• Written language is permanent.

What is Morphology?

Morphology refers to the study of how words and word parts change to express different meanings.

Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL)

Systemic Functional Linguistics (also known as Hallidayan Linguistics) was devised by Michael Halliday.

Defining Audiolingualism

Audiolingualism is a method of foreign language instruction focusing on speaking and listening skills.

Psycholinguistics: Language Processing

Psycholinguistics is the study of the language processing steps required for speaking and understanding words. (True)

Text Structure and Context Analysis

Five Types of Text Structure

There are five primary types of text structure: (True)

1. Narrative
2. Descriptive
3. Directive
4. Expository
5. Argumentative

Field, Tenor, and Mode in Text Analysis

Field, tenor, and mode describe the Register (context of situation) of a text.

Defining Cohesion in Text

Cohesion is the linguistic feature that makes a text hang together.

Defining Coherence in a Paragraph

Coherence means that all of the ideas in a paragraph are arranged in a logical and clear way.

Characteristics of Argumentative Text

An argumentative text is designed to convince or persuade the reader.

Aim of Instructive Text

An instructive text aims at teaching or providing instruction.

Academic Writing and Research Methodology

Purpose of Building Background Knowledge

The primary purpose of building background knowledge is to connect new information with what students already know.

What Does ESP Stand For?

ESP stands for English for Specific Purposes.

Defining Joint Construction

Writing a text together is called Joint Construction.

Structure of a Scientific Report

The structure of a scientific report is typically formally structured with clear and separate sections.

Location of the Abstract

An abstract is found at the beginning of an article or research paper.

Quick Review of Research Content

The part of a research paper used by readers to quickly review the overall content is the Abstract.

Paraphrasing and Citation Rules

If you paraphrase a source in your paper, you should always cite the original source.

Study Limitations and Impact

It's important to explain the limitations of your study and their impacts on the results. (True)

What the Methodology Section Describes

The methodology section describes the sample and the method used in the study.

Understanding Patchwriting

The act of copying text while making minor changes without proper citation is considered patchwriting. (True)

Proofreading Marks Stage

The stage of writing that involves using proofreading marks is Editing.

Reading Skills and Text Interpretation

What is Scanning?

Scanning is a reading technique focused on finding specific details.

What is Intensive Reading?

Intensive reading involves deeper reading and detailed comprehension.

Flowchart Symbols

The standard flowchart symbol indicates a process.

Venn Diagram Interpretation

The middle (intersection) of a Venn Diagram indicates where the items share common characteristics or are the same.

Importance of Linking Words

Using linking words or phrases is important for achieving coherence in writing.

Grammar and Sentence Structure

Correct English Word Order Example

The correct word order for the given sentence is: We will give him the present tomorrow.

Function of Definite Articles

Definite articles are used with nouns to indicate specific persons, places, or things.

Defining Vague Language

Vague language consists of words without precise meaning.

Correct Spelling

The correct spelling is HAPPIER.

Understanding a Comma Splice

A comma splice occurs when a comma incorrectly joins two independent clauses.

Utility of a Thesaurus

A thesaurus can help you select more precise and professional vocabulary.

Example of a Dependent Clause

An example of a dependent clause is: "After they left on the bus."

Affixes and Morphemes

Affixes are always bound morphemes. (True)

Complex Sentence Structure

Complex sentences have two independent clauses and no dependent clause. (False) (This definition describes a compound sentence.)

Semantics and Pragmatics

Defining Semantics

Semantics is the study of the meaning of language. It often requires forming a mental picture.

Defining Pragmatics

Pragmatics is defined as the study of speaker meaning (meaning in context).

Denotation vs. Connotation

• Denotative: The objective definition, closely aligned with reality (literal meaning).
• Connotative: Meaning that evokes feelings or perceptions (implied meaning).

Example of Deixis (Contextual Reference)

Deixis refers to words whose meaning depends on the context (who is speaking, where, and when). Examples include:

• Things: it, this, boxes
• People: him, them, those, idiots